Artists

Maria Dao

Hello,

Maria Dao was born in Caracas - Venezuela and has now been living in Australia for about 6 years. She has fallen in love with Australia and Australian art, and finds inspiration everywhere in the city she now lives - " Brisbane ... the colours, the landscapes " .

Maria started in the jewellery industry by restringing pearls about 10 years ago. That initial experience led her to beading, wiring and jewellery making. Maria's first job on her arrival in Australia was at a jewellery workshop in Brisbane city. These lovely people became her first friends in a foreign place and with them, she learned some basic silversmithing skills.

In beading and wired jewellery, Maria has discovered a medium of expression for her creative soul! " Sometimes I just can't stop, the ideas just pop out all the time, even while doing simple day to day activities " .

Maria enjoys making beaded jewellery for others; she chats to her customers and listens to their ideas while she is also sensitive to other influences; looking at what they normally wear and their personalities. From observations such as these, she is inspired to make unique creations for them.

A couple of years ago she came across unique lampworked beads at local bead shows, and has been hooked on those beads ever since. She enjoys being able to use unusual, artist made beads - magical, wearable shapes that she can bring to life in an infinite variety of ways. Maria also designs for a number of magazines and produces kits with full instructions so that her clientele can still " make their own " pieces.

Maria is grateful for this opportunity to share her work with you. So take time to browse in her gallery. Says Maria: " I hope you enjoy my jewellery work as much as I do " !

See Maria Dao's Gallery »